Clippers Vs. Grizzlies 5-03-13 Playoff Thread Gm. 6

@NBA playoffs: Los Angeles Clippers vs. Memphis Grizzlies previewBy TERESA M. WALKER
Posted May 02 2013 5:15PM
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) The Grizzlies have played the Los Angeles Clippers enough the past year to know that nothing is over until the final buzzer.
Sure, Blake Griffin is questionable with a sprained ankle and Chris Paul has a left thumb bruised. But the resilient Clippers are deep and talented.
That is why the Grizzlies are focusing only on themselves and their defense, the inside games of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, along with the work ethic they call grit and grind. They are 3-0....

Let's go Clippers! We can win this! Boston and Houston were huge underdogs and no one expected them to win on the road and they did. This is a 4 vs. 5 matchup. We can do this!

JahvonTheClip

05/02/2013 - 06:17 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3807

votes: 9

If we win this I believe we can win the series especially at home

cleepers

05/02/2013 - 06:23 PM PST

CTB MVP X3

Posts: 10461

votes: 142

Their fans will be going mental and they'll be trying to win it in the first quarter. Hold them off for 12 minutes, then every minute they don't pull away increases the pressure on them and gives our guys confidence.

Let's see how they handle being favorites.

lobcityhawaii

05/02/2013 - 06:51 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Good point. We have to weather the early storm, since the crowd will definitely be pumped at the start.

We have to win Friday!!! I'm going to pray for our team and Blake's health!

Amnesty_David_Stern

05/02/2013 - 07:51 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 2344

votes: 7

We need to come out firing on all cylinders and our shooters have to get hot and stay hot otherwise we are in for major trouble. With Blake injured, DJ a non factor on offense as well as our other big men we will really need CP3, Crawford, Barnes, Butler, Billups to step it up. And if Willie and Bledsoe can knock down some shots then great.

I really think we need to attack the basket with our guards as much as humanly possible. Getting Gasol, Randolph or Davis in foul trouble early on will help tip the scales a little bit back to normal with Blake suffering.

toohipcliptoslip

05/02/2013 - 08:28 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5425

votes: 36

We've been our coached and our center sucks the sack. He was a big reason we lost game 3

Clipperfn4lf

05/02/2013 - 08:34 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1638

votes: 14

Trying my hardest to remain positive and hopeful. This is going to be like pre Cp3 days cheering for the HUGE underdog!!

Please hold all negative comments to after the game. This is a time to send positive vibes to our team. its time to cheer unconditionaly. Lets do thissssssssssssss

Battlegun

05/02/2013 - 09:25 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1208

Location: California

votes: 5

This game will show if the Clippers have the mentality to win a championship or not.

If you can't win big games, you won't win the biggest ones.

lobcityhawaii

05/02/2013 - 09:31 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Great post! Let's do this!!! I believe in this team! Just as I have all season, through all the downs!

CapsNClips

05/02/2013 - 09:38 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5338

votes: 60

Our most important game of the reg season was the game @Memphis and our most important game of the post season is @Memphis. Lets make sure the outcome is the same as last time.

lobcityhawaii

05/02/2013 - 09:39 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Agreed. This is obviously more important than the regular season game but, its a good comparison.

ekker3

05/02/2013 - 11:04 PM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 7435

votes: 82

CLIPSET wrote:

cleepers wrote:

Their fans will be going mental and they'll be trying to win it in the first quarter. Hold them off for 12 minutes, then every minute they don't pull away increases the pressure on them and gives our guys confidence.

Let's see how they handle being favorites.

on the flip side, if they win the first 12 minutes, it's over.

we won the first quarter in game 5 and i immediately uttered "its over. we got this." then things happened.

besides, ask nick young about games being over.

ive got a pretty good feeling about this one. small ball or bust. spread the floor, increase the pace, make it a scoring battle.

pageC4

05/02/2013 - 11:08 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 4809

votes: 24

ekker3 wrote:

CLIPSET wrote:

cleepers wrote:

Their fans will be going mental and they'll be trying to win it in the first quarter. Hold them off for 12 minutes, then every minute they don't pull away increases the pressure on them and gives our guys confidence.

Let's see how they handle being favorites.

on the flip side, if they win the first 12 minutes, it's over.

we won the first quarter in game 5 and i immediately uttered "its over. we got this." then things happened.

besides, ask nick young about games being over.

ive got a pretty good feeling about this one. small ball or bust. spread the floor, increase the pace, make it a scoring battle.

I hate the Nick Young example though. Young had a career night that we never saw again in that series or san antonio for that matter. We cant rely on some miracle night from a role player, we have to have consistent performances..thats what keeps you winning.

I would rather a solid 12-13 points from here on out from Caron and Chauncey, a 10 point and 10 rebound performance from DJ and some solid contribution from Crawford.

lobcityhawaii

05/02/2013 - 11:45 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

I just wish Willie started this series. He's clearly better than Chauncey. He was our starter for most of the season and arguably are most consistent 3 point shooter. This series would be different if he started. I would bet that Willie wont be starting tomorrow.

mj_shoefanatic

05/02/2013 - 11:57 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 2675

Location: Lob Angeles™

votes: 7

GO CLIPPS!

sz123456

05/02/2013 - 11:59 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 2733

votes: 17

Yep. Some people can say how well we played last year in game 1, game 7, and the last regular season matchup this year, but more than anything I felt that the Grizz absolutely choked. Keep it close, they'll cave like they always do.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 12:02 AM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Love that picture! Go Clipps!!!

elton_sucks42

05/03/2013 - 12:16 AM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 2493

votes: 11

Let's hope cp3 gets some help. If we send this to a game 7 anything can happen.

CP3Best

05/03/2013 - 12:17 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5074

votes: 13

That pic was from game 1 when we prevailed! LOVE IT!

ClipperSam

05/03/2013 - 12:23 AM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 2382

votes: 14

GSW a 6th seed beats a 3rd seed. Because Jackson is a great coach like I told everyone. I said it in his first season. That is the difference of great young coach getting better. I wouldn't be surprised if they go 7 games with San Antonio.

sz123456

05/03/2013 - 12:26 AM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 2733

votes: 17

Karl is much better than Jackson. The Warriors are us last year, and similarly, they'll probably get swept by the Spurs. Great win for their organization though.

Voyeur

05/03/2013 - 12:28 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5129

votes: 29

Yeah I'm not sure about a coach who's answer to why so many turnovers in the 4th is "God's" plan or whatever.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 12:30 AM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

I hate mark Jackson. He's a douche. The same guy that was staring our team down and thinking Denver was dirty. Give me a break.

ClipperSam

05/03/2013 - 12:33 AM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 2382

votes: 14

I never thought of George Karl as great coach! I think he is a very good coach but not a great coach. I think he is a great person but not a championship coach! I think mark Jackson is in the top 5. Like I said stats don't always show a coached ability. To me George Karl should be respected. But lacks what it takes to get his team over the top!

1) pop from SA

CP3Heliflopter

05/03/2013 - 12:43 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 7252

votes: 12

Karl is not a great coach I agree. He has choked way too many times in the playoffs and has underachieved with great teams. He has a lot of experience but has little to show for it. Its more Karl coaching poorly than Jackson coaching great though I think Jackson is a pretty good coach. Not top 5 though.

The key to this game is simple. If our bigs get dominated we lose. If they put up some resistance we have a chance.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 04:44 AM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Hope so also! As long as we somehow win tomorrow I'll be happy! Let's go Clippers!!!

FightOnRon

05/03/2013 - 10:51 AM PST

CTB MVP X2

Posts: 5602

Location: The Darkside

votes: 43

I have a really nive team picture the Clippers gave to STH. It shows the entire team in the practice facility posing for the picture. Behind them on the wall is a huge sign with the Clipper logo on both sides and the words in between are:

ENERGY * FOCUS * NO EXCUSES

This is what we ask, this is what they need.

fattner

05/03/2013 - 10:54 AM PST

Posts: 1124

Location: California

votes: 1

One word "heart " that's wht it's all about !! Time 4 the clippers to show heart !! Without heart ur done !! This team has heart so step up and show it and bring it home !!!!

Code:

A_DOG_NAMED_BUD

05/03/2013 - 12:07 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1495

votes: 10

sz123456 wrote:

cleepers wrote:

Their fans will be going mental and they'll be trying to win it in the first quarter. Hold them off for 12 minutes, then every minute they don't pull away increases the pressure on them and gives our guys confidence.

Let's see how they handle being favorites.

Yep. Some people can say how well we played last year in game 1, game 7, and the last regular season matchup this year, but more than anything I felt that the Grizz absolutely choked. Keep it close, they'll cave like they always do.

Yes, I agree. We just got to keep the game close. It seems like all the games we've lost we've been close for most of the game until somewhere around the end of the 3rd or 4th we let them pull away. Just keep it close and let CP3 work his magic while the Grizzlies crumble under the pressure like always.

Worldbthree

05/03/2013 - 12:38 PM PST

Clipper Starter

Posts: 253

votes: 2

I just hope the refs don't take the Clips out of the game, it seems like when its close and there is bad call after bad call, the Clips kinda throw up their arms and say screw it. They have to play past this and step up, the fouls have been atrocious, the Clips are way a head now in fouls committed compared to the Griz. Its a really tough thing to over come, when the other team is shooting many more FT's over the series. I don't want to be that fan that blames officiating, but they have changed the series in so many ways, its unwatchable at times. I hope the refs just keep the whistles in their pockets unless its a hard foul. Called evenly, Clips will win, if refs get involved like all the rest of the games Clips will have their hands full.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 01:17 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

CP3: "It's either come out, play hard, play effective or this is the last game of the season...we're not ready for the season to be over"

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 01:21 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Agree.

Regular season fouls per game stats:

Clippers: 20.9 fouls/game

Memphis: 20.2 fouls/game

How many games has the fouls differential and free thrown differential been close? lol.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 01:25 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

Referees for tonight's game:

Joe Crawford

Rodney Mott

Derrick Stafford

Based on the playoff stats, Mott and Stafford are homers. Crawford is not that bad. Great...

ESPN sportsnation poll. At this moment, 43% of america thinks we are going to win tonight. This is based on 17,000 votes so far. Interesting...

ClipsGForce

05/03/2013 - 02:01 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1994

votes: 14

I can't see Grizz win four game straight. Clips must come out fighting with guns blazing. Anybody beside CP3 and Crawford need to step up. Lob City!

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 02:24 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/57662/clippers-at-memphis-f ive-things-to-watch-2
From Kevin Arnovitz, ESPN on how to deal with Blake not playing or ineffective Blake.
How can the Clippers absorb Griffin's absence? On Thursday, Clippers coach Vinny Del Negro said that if Griffin isn't available, veteran multitasker Lamar Odom would start at power forward for the Clippers. Odom's presence on the floor with the starters would give the Clippers yet another versatile ball handler and a crafty -- if occasionally freelancing -- team defender. But a better bet might be to go small and hand the lion's share of the minutes at power forward to Matt Barnes. That would enable them....

I have seen Crawford screw us numerous times this year. Look, we know the Clips will get called more. they must know that too. they just need to not give up with every ticky tack foul they draw.

Plus watch for the new MEM trick. Their ball handler will back a CLipper up into the paint but instead of keeping on moving toward the rim they stand there dribbling long enough for us to get a "T" for 3 seconds.

clipper*joe

05/03/2013 - 02:47 PM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 17629

Location: los angeles

votes: 136

gman wrote:

Please hold all negative comments to after the game. This is a time to send positive vibes to our team. its time to cheer unconditionaly. Lets do thissssssssssssss

clipper*joe

05/03/2013 - 02:51 PM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 17629

Location: los angeles

votes: 136

R U nuts? You're delusional! Steph is the reason why they beat the Nuggets. I suppose by saying "god" in every other word in a timeout makes you a good coach? Go fly a kite next a livewire....

Clippersfan86

05/03/2013 - 02:54 PM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 16040

Location: Anaheim

votes: 91

Joe it's not hyperbole though. EVERYBODY in the world is praising Mark's brilliant coaching. In fact opponent Andre Miller flat out said George Karl (known as a great coach by all accounts) was outcoached by Jackson today.

Clippersfan86

05/03/2013 - 02:55 PM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 16040

Location: Anaheim

votes: 91

Ramona Shelburne: Security guard at the arena told me, "Chris Paul was everywhere this morning. Weight room, court. It was like he was possessed." I ran that account by Chris Paul. He was like, "yeah. Something like that. I couldnt sleep."

I guess CP3's been at the arena almost all day since this morning.

Clipperfn4lf

05/03/2013 - 02:59 PM PST

Clipper All-Star

Posts: 1638

votes: 14

Hey memphis guess what? "We don't Bluff" CP3 all day!!

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 03:00 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

That's good to hear!

"You hate that it has to get to this point," Paul said. "But it really is do or die for us tonight. It's either come out play hard and and be effective, or it's our last game of the season. And we're not ready for the season to be over."

Hope all the other players are not ready for the season to be over.

lobcityhawaii

05/03/2013 - 03:03 PM PST

CTB MVP X1

Posts: 3220

votes: 4

I just prayed for Blake and the team to get a win tonight.

clipper*joe

05/03/2013 - 03:08 PM PST

CTB MVP Champion

Posts: 17629

Location: los angeles

votes: 136

Now THAT, is hyperbole.

I'm hearing more about how Curry is the first round MVP than Jackson's brilliance. I saw the TNT crew say they're happy for him but nothing about how brilliant of a coach he is. I heard them say how Curry and Thompson are the greatest backcourt in the world.